What Counts Most is How You Finish

About the Book

This book started as a way to share lessons learned about living with my niece, Joi Michelle Payton. While each person has to find his or her own way in life, we can all learn worthwhile things from each other. The goal of each essay in this book is to share ideas about addressing life’s challenges. The book draws from my experiences, the experiences of my generation and others. Among the lessons learned by my generation and those who came before were: how to overcome barriers, establish your place in the world, be your true self, and be proud of your heritage. These skills are just as useful today. I hope you find these essays helpful, encourage you to share what you learn with friends, family and others, and wish you a long, productive, satisfying life that leaves the world a better place.

About the Author

Shelia Payton is an author, playwright and lyricist. Previous works include Cultures of America: African Americans (part of a middle-school book series); a play, Facing the Shadow, about free woman of color in pre-Civil War Baltimore who must decide whether to help a runaway slave escape; the libretto (lyrics) for an opera, Black Caesar, about an African king captured by slave traders who became a feared pirate (music by Broadway’s first Black music director, Neal Tate), and lyrics for Christian and soul/country songs. Future projects include plays, a young adult book series, songs and musical theater works.